AZ Series EtherNet/IP™ Compatible Drivers (AC Input)

AZ Series EtherCAT Compatible Drivers

AZ Series Stored Data drivers now offer EtherCAT communications for a battery-free, absolute mechanical sensor motor and driver solution.For use with all Oriental Motor AZ Series motors and linear & rotary actuators equipped with the AZ Series.

AlphaStep Performance

What is the Output of αSTEP?

"Rated Output" is not listed because AlphaStep has no "rated speed". Refer to the graph below to compare rate torque of the AlphaStep to Watts of of servo motor's rated output torque.

What is the Stopping Accuracy of αSTEP?

The stopping accuracy of a typical AlphaStep is ±0.05° (under no load), which is equivalent to that of servo motors. The graphs below show the actual measured stopping accuracies when an AlphaStep and an AC servo motor were rotated once.

Advanced Technology at Affordable Prices

Oriental Motor has developed and patented a compact, low-cost, battery-free mechanical type absolute sensor. The AlphaStep AZ Series is available at affordable prices and can contribute to improved productivity and cost reductions.

Mechanical-Type Encoder (No Battery Required)

A mechanical sensor composed of multiple gears is employed. Positioning information is detected by recognizing the angle of the individual gears. As a result, it does not require a battery.

Multiple-Rotation Absolute System*

Absolute position detection is possible with ±900 rotations (1800 rotations) of the motor shaft from the home position.

No External Sensors Required

Positional information is managed mechanically. External sensors such as home sensor and the limit sensor are not needed.

Reduced Cost

Sensor costs and wiring costs can be reduced, allowing for lower system costs.

Simple Wiring

Wiring is simplified and the degree of freedom for equipment design is increased.

Not Affected by Sensor Malfunctions

There is no concern about sensor malfunctions (when operating in environments filled with oil mist or filled with metal pieces due to metal processing), sensor failures or sensor wire disconnections.

Improved Return-to-Home Accuracy

Home position accuracy is increase because the return-to-home operation is performed regardless of any variations in home sensor sensitivity.

Shortened Reset Time - High Speed Return-to-Home

Because return-to-home is possible without an external sensor, return-to-home can be performed at high speed without taking the sensor sensitivity into account, allowing for a shortened machine cycle.

Home Setting Method

The home position can be easily set by pressing a switch on the drivers surface, which is saved by the Mechanical Absolute Encoder. In addition, home setting is possible with the MEXE02 data setting software or external input signal.

Home position is easy to adjust by moving the motor to a desired position manually.

No Battery Required

No battery is required thanks to a mechanical-type sensor. Because positioning information is managed mechanically by the Mechanical Absolute Encoder, the positioning information can be preserved, even if the power turns off, or the cable between the motor and the driver is disconnected.

Reduced Maintenance

Because there is no battery that needs replacement, maintenance time and costs can be reduced.

Unlimited Driver Installation Possibilities

Because there is no need to secure space for battery replacement, there are no restrictions on the installation location of the driver, improving the flexibility and freedom of the layout design of the control box.

Safe for Overseas Shipping

Normal batteries will self-discharge, so care must be taken when the equipment requires a long shipping time, such as when being sent overseas. The Mechanical Absolute Encoder does not require a battery, so there is no limit to how long the positioning information is maintained. In addition, there is no need to worry about various safety regulations, which must be taken into consideration when shipping a battery overseas.

Position Holding Even when the Cable between the Motor and Driver is Detached

Positioning information is stored within the Mechanical Absolute Encoder.

*Because the positioning information is stored in the Mechanical Absolute Encoder, the home position must be reset if the motor is replaced.

AZ Series Family of Motion Control with EtherCAT

Easily control the AZ Series by directly connecting to the EtherCAT master device using a single EtherCAT
communications cable. This allows for quick and simple wiring.

ESI File

An ESI file has been prepared to allow EtherCAT compatible products to be used more easily.

AZ Series Products

Eliminate Extra Sensors with a Battery-Free Absolute System

The AlphaStep AZ Series Mechanical Absolute Encoder is available as a leading closed loop, battery free absolute motion solution sold as a Stepper Motor + Driver or Linear Actuator + Driver allowing for absolute, battery free, advanced performance across a wide range of applications.

AZ Series Closed Loop Stepper Motors

The AZ Series offers high efficiency, low vibration and incorporates our newly developed Mechanical Absolute Encoder for absolute-type positioning without battery back-up or external sensors to buy. Closed loop performance without hunting or gain tuning. Available with a built-in controller or pulse input driver which substantially reduces heat generation from the motor through the use of high-efficiency technology. Requires AZ Series Driver.

24 VDC Control Power Cable

Regeneration Unit

During vertical driver (gravitational operation) or suddent start/stop in high inertia, an external force causes the motor to rotate and funciton as a power generator. When the regenerative power exceeds the driver's regenerative power absorption capacity, it may cause damage to the motor. In such a case, the regeneration unit is connected to the driver to convert regenerative energy into thermal energy for dissipation.